How big would Skyrim actually be?

How Big Would Skyrim Actually Be?

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most popular and beloved open-world games of all time. Set in the fictional province of Skyrim, the game’s vast world has captivated players with its stunning landscapes, rich lore, and engaging gameplay. But just how big is Skyrim, really? Let’s dive into the details and explore the answer to this question.

Main Game Map Size

The main game map in Skyrim is rectangular and uses 119 cells across by 94 cells high, resulting in a total of 11186 in-game "cells". The engine uses the same cell size as in Oblivion, Fallout 3, and Fallout: New Vegas – 57.6 meters (63 yards) to the side, with an area of 3317.76 m² (3,969 square yards). The full map thus has an area of about 37.1 km² (14.3 square miles).

Province of Skyrim

But what about the entire province of Skyrim? Using the in-game map size and the scale provided by the PGE (Pedestrian and Ground Editor), we can estimate the size of the province. According to a Reddit user, the province of Skyrim is approximately 121,000 mi², which is roughly the same size as Poland.

Comparison to Real-World Countries

Here’s a comparison of the size of Skyrim to real-world countries:

As you can see, Skyrim is comparable in size to Poland, while smaller countries like Switzerland and Austria are significantly smaller.

Dungeon Size

What about the size of dungeons in Skyrim? The Skuldafn dungeon, for example, is one of the largest and most challenging dungeons in the game. It spans multiple levels, with waterfalls running down the city and winding stone steps connecting the different levels.

City Size

Which city in Skyrim is the largest and most powerful? Whiterun is often considered the strongest city in Skyrim, with fertile land, moderate resource richness, and a center of Skyrim’s land-based trade. Additionally, Whiterun is situated in a strategic location, making it a key player in the game’s politics and economy.

Comparison to Real-World Cities

Here’s a comparison of the size of Whiterun to real-world cities:

While Whiterun is small compared to real-world cities, its strategic location and importance in the game’s world make it a significant player in the world of Skyrim.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Skyrim’s main game map is approximately 37.1 km² (14.3 square miles) in size, while the entire province of Skyrim is estimated to be around 121,000 mi², comparable in size to Poland. The largest city in Skyrim, Whiterun, is small compared to real-world cities but plays a significant role in the game’s world. Whether you’re exploring the vast landscapes, conquering dungeons, or mastering the art of magic, Skyrim is a game that offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

References

• "How big is Skyrim?" by Reddit user Lusty-Batch
• "Skyrim’s Map Size" by Elder Scrolls Wiki
• "The Province of Skyrim" by GameFAQs
• "Whiterun" by Elder Scrolls Wiki